Comparing "banfa" and "fangfa"
Both 办法 (bànfǎ) and 方法 (fāngfǎ) can mean "a way to do something".
办法 and 方法 sometimes can be used interchangeably, although the conveyed meaning slightly different.
办法 emphasizes a ‘’’solution’’’ (a way to solve an issue or problem), whereas 方法 emphasizes a ‘’’method’’’ (a detailed plan with clear steps to do something).
| 办法 (bànfǎ) | 方法 (fāngfǎ) | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | a solution | a method |
| Part of Speech | noun | noun |
| Formality | informal | formal and informal |
Contents
Similarities
Common Phrases
The following phrases work with BOTH 办法 and 方法 (although the meaning is slightly different).
- 好～：好办法 (a good solution) vs. 好方法 (a good plan)
- 想～：想办法（think of a solution) vs. 想方法 (think of a plan)
- 各种～：各种办法（all kinds of solutions) vs. 各种方法（all kinds of plans)
- 一种～：一种办法 (one way of solving something) vs. 一种方法 (one way of doing something)
- 解决问题的～：解决问题的办法 (the way of solving a problem) vs. 解决问题的方法 (the plan of solving a problem)
Example Sentences
In the following sentences, 办法 and 方法 BOTH can be used interchangeably（using 办法 the sentences emphasize “a solution”, using 方法 the sentences emphasize “a plan”):
Differences
Common Phrases
These phrases are most commonly used with 办法： 没有～, 有～
Example Sentences
Only 办法 can be used in the following sentences:
Common Phrases
These phrases are most commonly used with 方法： 学习～, 科学～, 教学～, 看问题的～
Example Sentences
Only 方法 can be used in the following sentences:
